Attachment device for a blower cleaning system

ABSTRACT

An attachment device for a blower cleaning system is disclosed. The attachment device includes a blade housing permanently attached to a tubular attachment member of the blower cleaning system, and a scraper blade removably lockingly engaged in the blade housing. A portion of the upper surface of the scraper blade is configured to form a substantially continuous planar surface with an interior surface of an engagement portion of the tubular attachment member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/701,081 filed on Sep. 14, 2012, entitled “ATTACHMENT DEVICE FOR A BLOWER-VACUUM CLEANING SYSTEM the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference as if fully rewritten herein

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure generally relates to an attachment device for a blower cleaning system. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to an attachment device using a removable scraper blade on a tubular member for attachment to a gas powered leaf blower.

BACKGROUND

Gas powered leaf blowers are used outdoors to move or remove dirt and debris. Leaf blowers are generally powered by gasoline or electricity and force air out of a tubular plastic nozzle to blast away dirt and debris. Often, packed or hardened debris is encountered that is too tightly lodged to the surface to be dislodged with air current alone.

Outdoors, mower tires can pack clumps of wet grass clippings on sidewalks, driveways, or patios, making the debris difficult to remove. Site maintenance can also be hindered by clumps of packed trash, mud, or even animal droppings adhered tightly to surfaces. Also, when refinishing painted surfaces, removing loose paint chips adhered to old metal roofs with different roofing profiles can be a problem. Extra time and expense is required when using a hand-held scraper or floor chisel to dislodge this material.

Some attachments may use a scraper attached to the nozzle of a blower cleaning device, but drawbacks remain. Some of these attachments match the circular profile of the nozzle, and are not as effective at scrapping up debris from flat surfaces. Certain attachments are one piece scrapping devices that do not offer the economy and flexibility of quickly interchangeable blades configured for different cleaning applications. Other attachments tend to be complex, bulky, and time consuming devices where the scraper is fastened to the nozzle by thumbscrews or pipe clamps. Some attachment devices use loose, insecure fastening means, such as spring clips or tongue and groove slip-on designs. Many of these known attachments are designed such that the scrapping end of the blade is a pronounced distance forward from and/or blow the cleaning nozzle discharge. This type of design reduces the effectiveness of the air stream for moving the loosened debris.

Another drawback of some attachments is the lack of universal fit to attach to most, if not all, makes and models of leaf blowers. Many of these attachments are not a “one size fits all” design and cannot be used interchangeably on different makes and models of blowers with varying diameter air outlets.

An attachment device for a blower cleaning system that does not suffer from one or more of these drawbacks would be desirable in the art. Such an attachment device may be used with nozzles of leaf blowers.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an attachment device, named the “Scrape and Blow” is disclosed for a leaf blower cleaning system. The attachment device includes a blade housing attached to a tubular attachment member of the leaf blower cleaning system, and a scraper blade removably lockingly engaged in the blade housing. A portion of the upper surface of the scraper blade is configured to form a substantially continuous planar surface with an interior surface of an engagement portion of the tubular attachment member.

In another embodiment, an attachment device for a blower system is provided. The attachment device includes a first end and a second end adjacent the first end. A tubular member is formed between the first end and the second end. The tubular member forms an air passageway. The tubular member tapers inwardly from the first end to the second end, the first end being operable to attach to a blower. The second end includes a blade housing. The blade housing includes a recessed portion and an engagement portion. The recessed portion tapers inwardly from the second end towards the air passageway. The engagement portion includes a slot formed therein and a retaining aperture. The attachment device includes a scraper blade having a prying end and an insertion end adjacent the prying end. The scraper blade includes a taper from the prying end to the insertion end, the insertion end including a locking member, wherein the insertion end of the blade is received by the slot of the engagement portion and wherein a portion of the upper surface of the scraper blade is configured to form a substantially continuous planar surface with an interior surface of an engagement portion of the tubular attachment member.

Certain advantages of the embodiment described herein include the ability to use the attachment device with tubular members or nozzles of leaf blowers. One advantage is the ability to attach the device quickly, simply, and lockingly secure to the existing nozzle of a blower cleaning system. Another advantage is a “universal fit” attachment device that may be used with any nozzle with about a 2.5 inch diameter round air outlet

Yet another advantage is to provide interchangeable metal or plastic blades having various widths, geometric features, and/or protrusions. Still another advantage is the ability to provide a compact and efficient low-profile, such that the scrapping end of the blade is a short distance forward from the cleaning nozzle intake or discharge, and the upper surface of the blade is substantially continuous with the nozzle inside bottom surface. Another advantage of the compact design is the ability to cut loose tight debris while protecting the nozzle from wear and abrasion without marring any delicate surfaces to be cleaned. Still another advantage is the option of utilizing plastic blades to prevent marring any delicate surfaces to be cleaned, or a metal tipped blade for more aggressive scraping. A further advantage is the ability to pry loose tightly packed or hardened dirt or debris to be removed in a single cleaning operation. Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.

Intended advantages of the disclosed systems and/or methods satisfy one or more of these needs or provide other advantageous features. Other features and advantages will be made apparent from the present specification. The teachings disclosed extend to those embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims, regardless of whether they accomplish one or more of the aforementioned needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an exemplary blower cleaning system with an attachment device having an integral blade, showing connection to an elongate tubular member.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of the blade housing and blade according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the blade housing of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the blade housing of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1-5, an embodiment of a leaf blower cleaning system 10 includes a conventional leaf blower 12, an elongate tubular member 14, and an attachment device 16. As shown in FIG. 1, the elongate tubular member 14 is configured at a first end 18 for removable engagement with a fluid moving end 20 of the leaf blower 12, and removably engaged at a second end 22 to the first end 24 of attachment device 16. The term “configured for removable engagement” may include, but is not limited to, a slip-on friction fit, cooperating interlocking geometric structures, detent devices, biasing devices, quick-couplings, clips, clamps, or fasteners, for example. The attachment device 16 may be configured for attachment to any suitable blower cleaning system, such as, for example, a leaf blower or fluid moving device.

In one embodiment, the attachment device 16 includes a tubular attachment member 28 and a scraper blade 30 configured for integral engagement with an engagement portion 32 of a second end 34 of the tubular attachment member 28, such as by one-piece molding, welding, or adhesive. The elongate tubular member 14 and the tubular attachment member 28 are configured as any suitable conduits for fluid flow, and may include portions that are circular, semi-circular, rectangular, oval, or combinations thereof, for example, and may be tapered along their longitudinal axis. The engagement portion 32 includes a substantially flat planar surface 39 for mounting the scraper blade 30 and for efficient cleaning of flat surfaces (see FIG. 5). The scraper blade 30 is configured such that a portion 36 of the upper surface is exposed to fluid force, such as force produced by air or water moving across the portion 36 and through the second end 34 of the tubular attachment member 28. The portion 36 of the upper surface of blade 30 is configured to form a substantially continuous planar surface with an interior surface of the engagement portion 32 of the tubular attachment member 28 (see FIG. 3).

Attachment device includes a long tapered section which will fit nozzles or elongate tubular members 14 of blower cleaning systems having a diameter of about 2⅜ inches to about 2⅞ inches. The blade housing 38 is situated inside the diameter of attachment device 16, providing a neater appearance and more compact device.

Fluid moving leaf blowers are more effective at moving debris when the fluid stream flows in a smooth, short path without obstacles. Vertical or horizontal offsets in the flow path, long runs, or protrusions into the fluid stream cause losses in efficiency. An attachment device configured to form a substantially continuous planar surface provides a smoother path for the fluid flow discharge or for the debris laden fluid flow intake. Having a short, smooth, scraper close-coupled to the cleaner intake/discharge improves the efficiency of the cleaning operation.

The blade housing 38 is configured to removably lockingly secure various designs and types of interchangeable scraper blades 30 for varying applications. The prying end 50 of the scraper blade 30 may have various lengths, be flared or wider, have contours, or may have a forked end, for example. In one exemplary embodiment, the scraper blade 30 may include at least one or more of protrusions (not shown) extending from the base 40 toward the surface to be cleaned (not shown). The protrusions are configured to assist in dislodging debris by raking or splitting the debris with the scraper blade 30. Alternatively, the blade housing 38 and scraper blade 30 may be configured for secure adjustable retraction and extension of scraper blade 30. In one embodiment, the attachment device 16, blade housing 38, and scraper blade 30 may be made of suitable durable plastic, made of metal or other suitable high strength material, or a combination thereof. The attachment device 16, blade housing 38, and scraper blade 30 may be molded, such as by blow-molding or injection molding.

Referring to FIGS. 2-5, the attachment device 16 is shown. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the attachment device 16 including a first end 24 and a second end 34 adjacent the first end 24. A tubular member 28 is formed between the first and second ends 24 and 34. The tubular member 28 forms an air passageway 90 between the first and second ends 24 and 34. The tubular member 28 tapers inwardly from the first end 24 to the second end 34. The first end 24 is operable to attach to a blower 12 (see FIG. 1). The second end 34 includes a blade housing 38. The blade housing 38 includes a recessed portion 770 and an engagement portion 32. The recessed portion 70 tapers inwardly from the second end 34 towards the air passageway 90. The engagement portion 32 includes a receiving member 60 formed therein. The receiving member 60 includes a slot 62 formed therein and a retaining aperture 44. The slot 62 is operable to receive a scraper blade 30. The scraper blade 30 has a prying end 50 and an insertion end 52 adjacent the prying end 50. The scraper blade 30 tapers from the prying end 50 to the insertion end 50. The insertion end 52 includes a locking member 42. In one embodiment, locking member 42 is any suitable protrusion of material from surface of the scraper blade 30. Locking member 42 may be integrally formed with scraper blade 30 or attached thereto using any suitable attachment method, such as, but not limited to, gluing, welding, adhering, or screwing. The insertion end 52 of the scraper blade 30 is received by the slot 62 of the engagement portion 32 and the locking member 42 cooperates with the retaining aperture 44 to releasably secure the scraper blade 30 in the blade housing 38. A portion of the surface of the scraper blade 30 is configured to form a substantially continuous planar surface with an interior surface of an engagement portion 32 of the tubular member 28 (see FIG. 2).

In one embodiment, the blade housing 38 is integrally formed with the tubular member 28. As shown in FIG. 5, the blade housing 38 may be located in the air passageway 90. When the blade housing 38 is positioned inside the tubular member 28, it limits the exposure of the blade housing 38 to damage and also provides a more compact, efficient and low profile appearance to the attachment device 16.

In one embodiment, the attachment device has an overall length, “L,” including tubular member 28 and blade 30 of about 6 inches to about 15 inches, or alternatively about 7 inches to about 14 inches, or alternatively about 11 inches.

In one embodiment, the tubular member 28 tapers from the second end 34 to the first end 24. The length of the tubular member 28 is about 5 inches to about 13 inches, or alternatively about 7.5 inches to about 11 inches, or alternatively about 8.25 inches.

In one embodiment, the first end 24 has an inside diameter of about 2.4 inches to about 2.8 inches or alternatively about 2.695 inches and an outside diameter of about 2.5 inches to about 3.0 or alternatively about 2.855 inches. The second end 34 has an inside diameter of about 2.7 inches to about 3.1 inches or alternatively about 2.930 inches and an outside diameter of about 2.9 inches to about 3.2 inches or alternatively about 3.090 inches.

In one embodiment, the wall thickness of attachment device 16 is about 0.5 inches to about 1.0 inches or alternatively about 0.80 inches. The taper of the attachment device 16 is about 0.1 to about 0.4 or alternatively about 0.235.

In one embodiment, a permanent attachment of the attachment device 16 to the blower 12 may be easily be accomplished by running a screw through the joined attachment device 16 and elongate tubular member 14. To reverse the permanent attachment, the screw may be removed.

It should be understood that the application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the following description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

While the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures and described herein are presently preferred, it should be understood that these embodiments are offered by way of example only. Accordingly, the present application is not limited to a particular embodiment, but extends to various modifications that nevertheless fall within the scope of the appended claims. The order or sequence of any processes or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the attachment device as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present application. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present application. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An attachment device for a blower system comprising: a blade housing attached to a tubular attachment member of the blower cleaning system, and a scraper blade removably lockingly engaged in the blade housing, wherein a portion of the upper surface of the scraper blade is configured to form a substantially continuous planar surface with an interior surface of an engagement portion of the tubular attachment member.
 2. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein the blade housing includes a retaining aperture.
 3. The attachment device of claim 2, wherein the scraper blade includes a locking member configured for removably lockingly securing the locking member of the scraper blade to the retaining aperture of the blade housing.
 4. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein the scraper blade is selected from hard reinforced plastic, metal, or a combination thereof.
 5. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein the blade housing is integrally formed with the tubular member.
 6. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein the blade housing is located in the air passageway.
 7. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein the tubular member tapers inwardly from the first end to the second end.
 8. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein the tubular member has a length of about 8 inches to about
 12. 9. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein the first end of the attachment device has an inside diameter of about 2.4 inches to about 2.8 inches.
 10. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein the first end of the attachment device has an outside diameter of about 2.5 inches to about 3.0.
 11. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein the second end has an inside diameter of about 2.7 inches to about 3.1 inches.
 12. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein the second end has an outside diameter of about 2.9 inches to about 3.2 inches.
 13. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein further including a tapered section.
 14. The attachment device of claim 13, wherein the tapered section has a taper of about 0.1 to about 0.4.
 15. The attachment device of claim 12, wherein the locking member cooperates with the engagement member to secure the scraper blade in the blade housing.
 16. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein the scraper blade is selected from hard reinforced plastic, metal, or a combination thereof.
 17. An attachment device for a blower system comprising: a first end and a second end adjacent the first end, a tubular member being formed therebetween, the tubular member forming an air passageway, the tubular member tapering inwardly from the first end to the second end, the first end being operable to attach to a blower, the second end includes a blade housing, the blade housing including: a recessed portion, the recessed portion tapering inwardly from the second end towards the air passageway, an engagement portion including a slot formed therein and a retaining aperture; a scraper blade having a prying end and an insertion end adjacent the prying end, the scraper blade including a taper from the prying end to the insertion end, the insertion end including a locking member, wherein the insertion end of the blade is received by the slot of the engagement portion and wherein a portion of the upper surface of the scraper blade is configured to form a substantially continuous planar surface with an interior surface of an engagement portion of the tubular attachment member.
 18. The attachment device of claim 17, wherein the locking member cooperates with the retaining aperture to removably secure the scraper blade in the blade housing. 